Man charged in house fire that killed 4 children

Prosecutors in Randolph County have filed first-degree murder charges against a suspect in connection with an overnight house fire that killed four Illinois children.

Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker announced Friday that a criminal complaint has been filed against Derrick J. Twardoski. The statement from the state's attorney's office says Twardoski is being held without bond pending a first court appearance at the Randolph County Jail.

His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

Earlier Friday, Walker identified the victims as four members of the Owen family: 12-year-old Ethan, 9-year-old Kailey and 5-year-old twins Brandon and Landon.

He says another child suffered smoke inhalation and is being treated at a hospital. The children's parents and an 18-year-old woman also escaped the fire.